Masters & Lovers Box Set Three

Chapter 31

Bech pushes a vending machine cup at Cappelli. “What’s she saying?”

Cappelli hooks a thumb into a pocket “Never gets any fucking better does it? Denying everything of course. Says she’s being framed.”

Bech barks a laugh. “Of course. Just another victim of a tragic miscarriage of justice.”

“Aren’t they all? Still, looks like that lawyer of hers is going to get her sprung. Bail’s set high but the judge is allowing it. No previous. And it looks like they share a school tie.”

Fuck!

“Who is he? He looked pretty high-class to be the legal for a hooker.”

“Theo Aldred. Subs for Max Devlin. From Hofferman and Partners…”

“Hofferman’s? The prosecutors on the Romani Family case?”

“Yup. Don’t envy him that one. They’ve got all the wits under protection and the judge and lawyers have full surveillance.” Cappelli sucks at the coffee, pulls a face. “Stone-cold… You’re right though. You’d not think he’d turn up for the likes of that one would you?” He tilts the cup at Bech. “I’m going to the machine for another. Want one?”

“Thanks, but no. I’m off in five.”

*****

So, the bitch got herself sprung…

Back in his apartment, Bech paces, curses, bangs his fist on the wall. Then…

The blindingly fuckin’ obvious…

He checks the card index,

And sure enough…

Maximillian Devlin. Lawyer. Married twice. Son by previous.

One daughter by current marriage - favourite topic of conversation. Likes rabbits and pink. Got a pony. Gymkhana. Head girl at Ponterbury.

*****

 

Michael

line up in good order and I remember where I am. Beside me lies Charlotte; eyes closed,

back, but when I listen, there is a faint clatter

look at my Sleeping Beauty. She’s looking better than she has

Her father…

Christ…

sallow hue, and her cheeks

Babe…

the line of high cheekbones with a fingertip. Her lids flutter, then

my Charlotte…there. Not the stranger who looked out at me for

touch me, she smiles.

stroking her face,

fine. Really, I’m fine now.

a curved brow with the pad of my thumb. “Sometimes life throws shit at us, knocks us down. There's no sin

dropping her gaze, she

want to get yourself pregnant.” Her eyes lift again, widening. “Do you? That’s still what you want? To give

Her voice is a whisper. “Is

said when we talked about it. It’s fine. Just so long as I

across hers. Her hand curves around the back of my head. “Thank you.” She nuzzles into the crook of neck and shoulder.

away…” She sighs. “And yes, I’ve

creases. “You mean you

don’t imagine James and I share a bed when you’re not in it with us? He might be my good friend, but not

comes a chuckle. “Sorry to disappoint you there.” James holds a tray. The scents of toast and coffee

flare and she sits bolt upright.

James grins. “She’s back.”

*****

 

Twenty-Six Years Ago

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